Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, known for previous controversial remarks and actions, has stirred a fresh row after physically assaulting a canteen staff member at the MLA hostel in Mumbai. Gaikwad, who claims the food served was stale, justified the violence by saying it was in line with the “Shiv Sena style” of handling things. A video of the incident has since gone viral.
Shameful conduct by Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulted poor canteen staff over bad food, when he could’ve raised the issue through proper channels…
— Archana Pawar 🇮🇳 (@SilentEyes0106) July 9, 2025
Is this how a public representative is expected to behave?
Let’s see if Devendra Fadnavis dares to act, or stays… pic.twitter.com/YhVfShiffA
📍 Full Report:
Mumbai | July 7, 2025 —
Sanjay Gaikwad, an MLA from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, is facing public and media scrutiny after admitting to slapping and shoving canteen workers at the government MLA hostel in Mumbai, over what he claims was “rotten” dal and rice served to him.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when Gaikwad ordered dal, roti, and rice around 9:30 PM. He told reporters that after just two bites, he felt nauseated and began vomiting.
“I can identify stale food instantly by smell,” he claimed, adding that he confronted the canteen staff and attacked them when they failed to “explain themselves.”
🎥 Viral Video & Justification:
A video showing the MLA slapping the canteen manager has since gone viral. Rather than express regret, Gaikwad doubled down on his actions:
“It was my natural reaction,” he told PTI. “If someone does not understand Hindi, Marathi, or English, then this is the Shiv Sena style.”
He added, “I’m a representative of the people. If someone does not understand the language of democracy, this is going to be my language.”
In another interview with NDTV, Gaikwad went a step further:
“I lost it (meri satak gayi). I’m a champion in judo, gymnastics, karate, and wrestling. I can also use swords.”
🛍️ Dal as Evidence
In a bizarre turn, Gaikwad carried the stale dal and rice in a plastic bag to the Maharashtra Assembly to make his point, saying, “This isn’t fit for dogs.”
📜 Not About Language, Says Gaikwad
When questioned if this incident was related to the staff’s language, especially in the context of recent politically motivated language-based attacks in Maharashtra, Gaikwad dismissed the notion:
“It’s not about language. Did the staff have it written on his forehead what language he spoke? I have no regrets.”
🧾 Controversial History
This is not the first time Sanjay Gaikwad has made headlines for violent or inflammatory remarks. In 2024, he offered a reward for anyone who would chop off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue, and was later seen in a video threatening to “bury any Congress dog” attempting to attend a Shinde-led event.
The canteen staff have not yet issued any public statement, and no official action has been confirmed against Gaikwad.